Patrick Hamilton

[Bysshe]

I read the Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky trilogy, loved it, sobbed at the end, and have just finished reading Hangover Square, which was depressing but brilliant. And now I'm going to try and read every book that Patrick Hamilton' s ever written, although I imagine a few of them might be out of print.

Are there any other Patrick Hamilton fans out there? He seems to be incredibly underrated - practically forgotten, really, but I've been so impressed by the books of his that I've read, that I honestly don't know why.

So yes, it's frustrating to be slightly obsessed with an author without having anyone to discuss your discovery with, and I'm hoping that there will be at least one other person on this forum who's read some of his novels...

[nebish]

The Slaves of Solitude is in print (Constable) and is worth reading, though is nothing like as fine or intense an experience as the earlier novels. I am also an admirer of Patrick Hamilton; be wary, however, as it appears that the quality of his other work is patchy and disappointing. I recommend Julian Maclaren-Ross also, his short stories are both original and engaging, and his novel Of Love and Hunger is the equal to Hangover Square as thirties British realism.

[Bysshe]

I've heard that the final book in the Gorse trilogy isn't very good, due to Hamilton's alcoholism...which understandably led to bit of a decline in quality. And I know that it's unlikely I'll enjoy any of his books as much as his earlier novels, but I'd still like to give them a go.

Thanks for the recommendation of The Slaves of Solitude - I definitely want to read that at some point. And I'll look out for Julian Maclaren-Ross, too!

[Joe Beamish]

One of my favorite novels. I'm definitely interested in picking up another one of Hamilton's soon. The trilogy sounds very good.

[vsopvs]

I just read Hangover Square and Slaves Of Solitude - he's a great writer, amazing he's virtually unknown. Though it says something about public tastes in general.